Web Desk: World football governing body FIFA has temporarily suspended the enforcement of a one-match ban on United States forward Florian Balogun after US President Donald Trump requested a review of the disciplinary decision, according to media reports.
Balogun received a red card during the United States’ match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2 and was handed an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA has deferred the implementation of the ban for one year, allowing the striker to remain eligible for selection.
According to reports, Trump appealed directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reconsider the red card decision. Following the review, FIFA cleared Balogun to play in the United States’ pre-quarterfinal match against Belgium on July 7.
Trump welcomed the decision and thanked FIFA for granting the relief.
Meanwhile, the Belgian Football Association expressed surprise over FIFA’s decision and said it was considering possible legal action.
The move has also raised questions over FIFA’s neutrality and the consistency of its disciplinary process, according to the reports.
Neither FIFA nor the Belgian Football Association immediately issued further public comments on the matter, and the basis for deferring the suspension was not immediately clear.
Read more: PCB clears 13 players for Global Super League participation
